How do I keep MS Publisher on my PC after end date

Philip Rodgers 0 Reputation points
2026-09-16T14:18:59.1333333+00:00

How do I keep MS Publisher on my PC after end date?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Publisher | For business
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-16T14:19:15.7566667+00:00

    For Microsoft 365, Publisher can be used with its current functionality until October 1, 2026. After that date, Microsoft 365 subscribers will not be able to access, open, or edit Publisher files in Publisher, and Publisher will no longer be available for installation or download through Microsoft 365.

    To keep working with Publisher after that date, the supported path in the available guidance is to use a perpetual version of Publisher. That version can still be installed and used beyond October 2026, although support for the perpetual version ends on October 13, 2026.

    Before October 2026, the recommended preparation is:

    1. Find existing .pub files by searching for .Pub on the PC, OneDrive, or SharePoint.
    2. Convert important Publisher files to PDF for viewing:
      • Open the Publisher file.
      • Go to File > Save as.
      • Choose a save location.
      • Select PDF as the file type and save.
    3. If editing will still be needed later, open the PDF in Word:
      • In Word, go to File > Open.
      • Open the PDF.
      • Select OK in the dialog box.
      • The document opens as a Word file.
    4. For many files, use the sample PowerShell script to bulk export Publisher files to PDF. Test and modify it first for the environment.

    If Publisher is currently missing on a new PC, updating Office may restore the Publisher shortcut:

    • Open Word or Excel.
    • Go to File > Account.
    • Under Product Information, choose Update Options > Update Now.

    References:

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  2. Stefan Blom 352.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-16T14:37:43.2066667+00:00

    The only way to keep using Publisher after October 2026 is if you have an older one-time purchase license which includes that program, for example, Office Professional 2021. Since this product is no longer being sold by Microsoft, you have to very carefully make sure that you get a valid license, when you purchase from a third-party seller.

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